Institute for Chemistry and Bioanalytics
At the Institute of Chemistry and Bioanalytics (ICB) we characterize & produce new substances, and develop & apply test systems
Our research is interdisciplinary, driving innovation at the intersection of chemistry, biology, medicine and pharmaceutical technology. In chemistry, we produce and characterize new substances and materials using synthetic chemistry, analytics, process engineering, as well as surface- and nanotechnology. In bioanalytics, we develop patient-friendly diagnostic test systems for which we have a wide range of molecular biology, protein biochemistry and cell cultivation technologies at our disposal. For drug development, we design in vitro tests and cellular 3D test systems to mimic organ function, which can partially replace animal testing.
Through modern methods we design and develop intelligent formulations for the precise delivery of drugs and biologicals in therapeutic medical applications.
Data science underlies many of our projects and opens up new possibilities for increased efficiency. Our organization is based on teamwork between research groups with a high degree of individual responsibility. Our specialist staff have years of experience in industry, which they apply in both their research and their teaching.
Interdisciplinary fields
We have highly focused areas of expertise, allowing us to work on applied R&D projects in a wide range of interdisciplinary fields in life sciences.
Chemistry, natural substances and analytics
Organic & Bioorganic Chemistry
Preparation, modification and analysis of low molecular weight and bioorganic compounds in the milligram to gram range.
Instrumental analytics
State-of-the-art analytical methods allow the identification and quantification of molecules at the lowest concentrations.
Chemical engineering
Reaction technology, process development and safety
We use cutting edge technology and modelling software to develop, pilot and optimize chemical processes for the life sciences sector, from concept to finished product. Safety, efficiency and sustainability are at the heart of our work.
Proteins and enzymes
These are central to the functioning of cells; protein engineering allows development for technical applications.
Cell Biology and in vitro Toxicology
We apply complex cell cultures, molecular markers and tissue engineering to the study of disease and to the testing of efficacy and toxicity.
Bioinformatics
An organism’s genetic information is found in the nucleotide sequence. Our work involves the analysis and prediction of changes in this genetic material and the consequences for disease progression and therapies.
In vitro diagnostics
We develop highly precise but easyto-use test systems for in vitro diagnostics. These are used for early detection and diagnosis of diseases, enabling more effective individualized treatment of patients.
Nanotechnology, Materials and Biointerfaces
In our state-of-the-art laboratories particles, materials and surfaces are developed, modified, characterized to address a wide range of problems.
Data Science in Life Sciences
Data Science in Life Sciences
We develop and use digital tools to better understand and optimize processes and to accelerate innovation in research, development and medicine.
Expertise and infrastructure
Chemistry and Materials
• Synthesis of biologically active molecules and oligomers at laboratory scale synthesis, including pressure reactors, peptide synthesizers, microwave synthesis, microreactors
• Nanomaterials and surfaces, supramolecular chemistry
• Process technology 100-litre reactor, scale-down reactor, continuous-flow reactor, rectification column, pervaporation / vapor permeation (10 – 20 l / h), polymer and ceramic membrane, etc.
• Piloting, flow chemistry, membranes, reaction calorimetry and DSC
• Laboratory automation / robotics
Analytics and Microscopy
• Instrumental analytics, structure elucidation, proteomics, metabolomics
• Digitization, Data Science and Machine Learning
• Spectroscopy (IR, UV-VIS, fluorescence, CD)
• High-resolution chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF MS/MS)
• 400 MHz NMR system with Prodigy probe head and SampleJet
• Calorimetry (isothermal and scanning)
• Bio-specific interaction analysis
• Electron microscopy (transmission / scanning)
• X-ray microscopy
• Atomic force microscopy
• Confocal fluorescence microscopy
• 2D-3D imaging spectroscopy
• Laboratory automation / robotics
Cell, Molecular and Protein Biology
• Production, modification, characterization and optimization of proteins
• Cell biology and in vitro toxicology
• In vitro diagnostics
• DNA and RNA diagnostics
• Mutagenesis
• Surface Plasmon Resonance, Bio-Layer Interferometry
• Bioprinting platform
• 3D and Microphysiological Systems (MPS)
• Pipetting robots, colony pickers
• Thermocycler
• Gel electrophoresis
• Laboratory Automation
• Data Science
• Data Science incl. Bioinformatics
Services
• Measurement of 1D and 2D NMR spectra for structure elucidation and quantitative purity determination
• An extensive range of analytical methods
• Literature and patent research
Continuing education
www.fhnw.ch/lifesciences/continuing-education
FHNW School of Life Sciences
At the new FHNW Campus in the heart of Europe's largest life sciences region, the School of Life Sciences does cuttingedge research for a better future. State-ofthe-art infrastructure and equipment, including a new Process Technology Centre, enable our researchers and industrial partners to work together to develop new technologies and products from concept to market.
The campus has an ideal location close to public transport links and with a view over Basel. In addition to the School of Life Sciences, the new FHNW Campus Muttenz houses the Schools of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geomatics, Education, Social Work and Engineering, where around 4 500 people study and work.
Contacts
Institute of Chemistry and Bioanalytics
Prof. Dr. Sebastian Wendeborn
Head of Institute
T: +41 61 228 55 45 sebastian.wendeborn@fhnw.ch
Prof. Dr. Stefan Gaugler
Instrumental Analytics
T: +41 61 228 50 98 stefan.gaugler@fhnw.ch
Prof. Dr. Abdullah Kahraman
Data Science in Life Sciences
T: +41 61 228 62 23 abdullah.kahraman@fhnw.ch
Prof. Dr. Georg Lipps
Proteins and Enzymes
T: +41 61 228 54 52 georg.lipps@fhnw.ch
Prof. Dr. Dominik Meinel
In vitro Diagnostics and Molecular Bioanalytics
T: +41 61 228 62 56 dominik.meinel@fhnw.ch
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Riedl
Process Engineering and Technology
T: +41 61 228 55 51 wolfgang.riedl@fhnw.ch
For further information about our research fields: www.fhnw.ch/icb-en
Prof. Dr. Patrick Shahgaldian
Molecular Nanotechnology
T: +41 61 228 54 87 patrick.shahgaldian@fhnw.ch
Prof. Dr. Laura Suter-Dick
Cell Biology and in vitro Toxicology
T: +41 61 228 56 59 laura.suterdick@fhnw.ch
Prof. Dr. Oya Tagit Biointerphases
T: +41 61 228 57 48 oya.tagit@fhnw.ch
Prof. Dr. Daniel Varón Silva
Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry
T: +41 61 228 51 73 daniel.varon@fhnw.ch
Prof. Dr. Andreas Zogg
Process Development and Process Modelling
T: +41 61 228 58 25 andreas.zogg@fhnw.ch
The FHNW incorporates nine facilities:
– FHNW School of Applied Psychology
– FHNW School of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geomatics
– FHNW Academy of Art and Design
– FHNW School of Life Sciences
– FHNW Academy of Music
– FHNW School of Education
– FHNW School of Social Work
– FHNW School of Engineering
– FHNW School of Business
FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts
Northwestern Switzerland School of Life Sciences
Hofackerstrasse 30
CH - 4132 Muttenz
T +41 61 228 55 77
info.lifesciences@fhnw.ch
www.fhnw.ch/icb-en